Halloween Guide 2018: Not-So-Scary Halloween Events in Richmond

Raising kids can be scary enough, so when Halloween rolls around, the last thing we want is kids who are too terrified to leave the house. While there are plenty of haunted houses and spooky settings in Richmond during the Halloween season, it’s nice to know that there are also plenty of places that are ideal for the whole family – from the littlest members on up.

To help you plan your Halloween holiday, we’ve put together a list of some of the best Halloween and fall-themed activities in and around Richmond. These events are designed to be family-friendly, offering something for everyone from toddlers to teens to adults. Best of all, because many of the following events let you and the kids dress up, you’ll be sure to get plenty of use out of those costumes that you’ve spent so long planning!

Take a look at these upcoming events in the Richmond and if there’s a fright-free (or not too scary) event that we might have overlooked, let us know at cs@richmondmom.com!

Quick links:

Events Throughout October

The Ashland Berry Farm’s fall fun runs from September 29 through the end of October. Start with a free hayride to the pumpkin patch where you’ll find all-you-can-carry pumpkins for $20. Then head back for family fun including the Great Maze Adventure and 3D Boo House! Last but not least, be sure to stop by the donut shop for fresh, homemade donuts and other delicious treats.

This family-owned and -operated farm has been a local favorite for years. And now every weekend in October, you can head to the farm for Halloween fun that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Stop by for special Halloween treats, games and more! Other activities include:

The Cross Creek Fall Festival is an annual event that is perfect for the whole family. The festival is held every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of October and features pumpkin painting, a “haunted” hayride perfect for all ages, tractor rides, barnyard animals, and a bouncy house. Bring a picnic to enjoy on their newly renovated patio or visit Carytown Burgers & Fries food truck on October 14 and 20-21. And don’t forget to find some fantastic pumpkins to take home!

October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2018

If you’re older elementary age kids, tweens, and teens aren’t quite into dressing up and trick-or-treating…but still want to have some Halloween fun, then head to Shady Grove YMCA for their “Forest of Fear” haunted trail. It will provide all the thrills and chills (without going overboard) that they can stand!

Head out to King’s Dominion for a day of fearless Halloween fun for the whole family from now until October 29, 2018. The Great Pumpkin Fest includes some of your favorite PEANUTS characters, like Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and more. Join in the Halloween fun with pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, special games, live events and more. The Great Pumpkin Fest is included with regular admission. Click here to learn about how you can get tickets as low as $39.99.

When: Select weekends from September 29 – October 28, 2018. See a full calendar here.Cost: Included with general admission tickets.Costumes? Optional, but encouraged!Ages: All ages (includes rides designed for kids 60” and under)Address: 16000 Theme Park Way, Doswell, VA 23047

One-Time Events and Activities for Halloween

October 12

Bring your family out for a night of fall fun at the Chester YMCA. Kids of all ages can enjoy trunk or treating, light refreshments, and a haunted trail. And, of course, don’t forget to dress in costume! This event is free and open to the public and will be held in the YMCA side lot and back property.

October 14

Bring the entire family and enjoy food, games and fall festivities! Enjoy food from Chuy’s, get your face painted by Spirited Art Richmond, paint pumpkins, here live music from Bomb Shell RVA, play games, and more! Be sure to bring the kids dressed in costumes to the ACAC Short Pump main stage for kid activities, then enjoy trick-or-treating hosted by RVA Motorcycles. And don’t forget your furry friends! Register your dog or cat for the Pet Costume contest here!

When: October 14, 2018; 1pm-4pmCost: Free, but they are accepting food donations to benefit Feed More.Costumes? YesAges: All agesAddress: The Pad at West Broad Village, 2301 Old Brick Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060

October 13 & 14

Join the fun at Hanover Vegetable Farm this October 13th and 14th for the annual Gourds, Goblets and Ghouls Festival. There will be live music, wine and beer tastings, food trucks and fall activities for the whole family, including hay rides, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, a moon bounce, a petting barn, face painting and much more. Please remember that the family-friendly festival ends at 6pm and their scary haunt will open its doors at 7:30 pm.

October 19

Join your friends at the Westover Hills Library to decorate a pumpkin for your Halloween festivities! All you need to bring is your imagination – pumpkins and art supplies will be provided. For all ages. Space is limited, so registration required. Register online here starting October 5.

October 19 & 20

Get your Halloween costumes ready and plan for a night (or two!) of fun at the annual Taylor’s SpookieFUN Fest hosted by Hanover County Parks and Rec. This family-friendly events includes DJ Luke in the Monster Mash Dance area with a special performance by the Richmond Urban Dance group, rides and inflatables (designed for ages 3 – 12), the Mystery Machine, a Pumpkin Walk, Taylor’s mini-pumpkin patch where you can decorate your pumpkin, SpookieFUN games,The Game Patrol, Casper’s FUN Hunt & Maze (ages 4 and under), a Flashlight Candy Hunt (ages 5- 12), and more. Best of all, you can visit with Taylor, the Hanover Parks and Rec mascot, and his famous Disney friends, Anna, Elsa, and Belle…among others.

October 20

Let your young artist to express themselves through painting at this fun Halloween-themed event hosted by GrateStructure and held at DogTown Dance Theatre. Kids ages 5-10 are invited to come in costume for an hour of painting, music, goodie bags and fun! Please note that parents/ guardians must sign each participant in before entering this session and will be asked to wait in the Lobby room during the event. For question or concerns, contact Sierra Grate at GrateStrcuture@gmail.com. Space is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets soon!

October 20

Get into the Halloween spirit at Pocahontas State Park’s annual Park After Dark event. Don your best Halloween attire and enjoy some after-dark family-fun including hay rides, face painting, raptor and reptile presentations, trunk-or-treating, a campfire with s’mores, night hikes, and much more. Be sure to bring a flashlight! Meet at the Visitors’ Center to join in on the fun.

October 20

Bring the whole family out for fall fun at the Scott’s Addition Pumpkin Festival on the Boulevard. This family-friendly festival features live music, festive beverages, delicious seasonally-inspired food, a kids’ area and more. Plus, be sure to start planning your costumes now for the Costume Contest! There will be three categories this year, including adults, kids, and pets.

October 21

This year marks 20 YEARS of Trick-or-Treat Street at the University of Richmond. This beloved Halloween event is back with all of your favorites, and a few new surprises. There will be a straw maze, bounce houses, petting zoo, face painting, a variety of activities, games, crafts, food trucks and as always – plenty of candy! University of Richmond is partnering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond again this year and requesting a $10 donation per family. All proceeds will go directly to RMHC. Please not that there is a new location on campus this year on the Stern Plaza, located at the Quad in front of Jepson Hall. Follow the signs to lead the way!

October 21, 22, & 23

At this spectacularly spooky event, you can decide for yourself if Hanover Tavern haunted! Tour the haunted Tavern, Old Stone Jail, and Historic Courthouse with Transcend Paranormal and hear ghostly tales of actual events and recorded paranormal activity at each location. Both before and after the event, stick around for some spooky fun! There will be a bonfire with marshmallows for everyone to roast, and spooky spirits (for the adults!). While this event is family-friendly, it is not recommended for children under 10.

October 26

Gayton Crossing, a popular shopping center in the far West End, has been hosting this Halloween event for more than 20 years – and it’s guaranteed fun for the whole family. Not only will Gayton Crossing merchants be handing out candy to your eager trick or treaters, but a few local heroes will be on hand, as well. This year’s event includes a special Henrico Police Halloween Celebration, a Henrico Fire Truck interactive display, live performances from West End Academy of Dance, and plenty of meet and greet opportunities with some of your favorite local mascots like Rompy, Bubbles, and more.

October 26

Head to Henricus Historical Park for a delightfully historic Halloween celebration – designed just for kids. As the companion event to Henricus’ popular Haunted Henricus: Things That Go Bump In The Night event, this afternoon of fun is perfect for your younger kids. Join the Henricus education team for stories, a treats tour, and a 17th century make-and-take craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required by October 24 by calling 804-318-8797.

October 26

The entire community is invited the Shady Grove YMCA’s annual Fall Festival. Kids can dress in their Halloween best for a fun-filled night of Trunk-or-Treating, crafts, inflatables, and a food truck that will run from 5:30pm – 8pm. Plus, be sure to stay for the magic show from 8pm – 8:30pm!

October 26

FREE Family event for the community! Join your friends and family at the Atlee Station YMCA for Halloween fun! This event includes games, a costume parade, contests, prizes and trunk or treating fun. The first 50 kids will receive a special treat bag to decorate. All children in attendance will be asked to choose their favorite decorated car and its owner will win a FREE month’s membership!

October 26

Head to Midlothian YMCA for a night of spooky fun for the whole family. Come in costume and take a tour of the haunted bus, play games, and, of course, trunk-or-treat! At the end of the night, prizes will be awarded for the best trunk and costumes. Click here if you would like to bring your car to decorate! Please bring a minimum of 3 bags of candy to participate in the fun.

October 26 & 27

Henrico Theatre is featuring a special Halloween weekend showing of Monster’s, Inc. – complete with dancing zombies in the house. Prior to the movie, Michael Jackson’s famous Thriller Dance will come to life onstage!

October 27

Kick Halloween off right at the annual Autumn Fest! Kids are invited to come dressed as their favorite characters and play games, win prizes, dance, eat and have fun! This event provides a safe atmosphere that is conducive for learning and interacting with kids their own age. This event is hosted by Central Virginia Educational Resource Programs and will b held at Eastern Henrico Recreation Center. Registration is required. Click here to sign up!

October 27

Every year, for one night only, Riverfront Canal Cruises offers a FREE night of canal cruises filled with spooky stories and eerie tales. Join them on October 27th for “hauntingly” fun 30-minute canal boat tours that leave every half-hour (on the hour and half-hour) from 6pm – 9m. Travel down the historic Kanawha Canal to see some of Richmond’s oldest and most historically haunted districts. This event is fun for the whole family and promises special treats for your younger ghosts and goblins!

October 27

Join Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School for their annual Halloween Carnival Festival on The Village Green at Westchester Commons! Come ready to compete in the Annual Costume Contest, which is open to ages 12 and under this year. Plus, enjoy carnival-type games, Halloween crafts, and inflatables. $5 All-You-Can-Play Wristbands will be available with all sales benefiting Blessed Sacrament Huguenot Catholic School.

When: October 27, 2018; 1pm – 4pmCost: Free admission; some activities have a fee; All-You-Can-Play Wristbands will be available for $5Costumes? YesAges: All ages; Costume contest is open to ages 12 and under.Address: 15786 WC Main St, Midlothian, Virginia 23113

October 27

Get ready for Halloween Hoopla at the Children’s Museum of Richmond! Join them at their downtown location for an afternoon of spooky fun that includes trick-or-treating, pumpkin experiments, and MORE! Be sure to come in your favorite costume (that includes you, too, moms and dads)! Advanced registration for Halloween Hoopla is suggested. Children are FREE and adults are just $4! CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

October 27

Join Be Well Youth at The Well Art Gallery for a Halloween-themed hour of fun. Kids will enjoy using their artistry and fine motor skills to make monster masks or key chains for play or their night of trick or treating. A spooktacular story-time will peak your child’s imagination, and a special spooky walk-through closet will be fun for kids who might be up for the challenge! Kids will also receive a special goodie bag of Halloween treats. Please note that an adult must accompany children at all times.

October 27

This popular musical playdate at Melody Magic Studio is back for even more fun this Halloween. Offering instruments, music and more, your little ones can work out their Halloween wiggles in full costume at this musical dance party. Be sure to grab your spot online because space is limited.

October 27

Pumpkin Palooza is back and better than ever! This year, the Innsbrook Foundation is teaming up with the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation to bring you a family-friendly fall-themed event. Come out for live music, a rock wall, a petting zoo, a bouncy house, costume contests, pumpkin painting, local food and drink vendors, crafts, art, jewelry and much more. And as always, don’t miss the Punkin Dunkin. See teams from around Richmond test their engineering skills as they attempt to launch pumpkins up to 700 feet to earn the title of Punkin Dunkin Champion.

October 27

Don your favorite costumes and get set for a Halloween treat as the Richmond Symphony places an array of musical goodies at the Carpenter Center. Be sure to register your special ghosts, goblins and princesses for a pre-concert Trick or Treat bag!

In addition to the main concert, there will also be a free pre-concert festival at 10am in Rhythm Hall, featuring our Instrument Petting Zoo. Enjoy interactive activities for the whole family that will enhance your concert experience.

When: October 27, 2018; 11amCost: $20/adults; $10/children (3-18); children under 3 are free; active military are eligible for up to 4 free tickets. Learn more here.Costumes? YesAges: All agesAddress:600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219

October 27

This West End family favorite is back for another year! Join friends and family at River Road Church for a fantastic (and safe!) night of trick-or-treating from decorated cars in the church parking lot. Plus, enjoy monster bowling, face painting, balloon art, make-your-own-mask crafts, and a caramel apple bar. This event is free and open to the community.

October 27

Wave Church (WaveRVA) is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat spectacular perfect for kids of all ages. Come out in your best costumes for trick or treating from themed cars, an inflatable obstacle course, food trucks, and tons of fall fun. Be sure to follow this event on Facebook and/or Instagram for even more special surprises!

October 28

Lewis Ginter’s Goblins and Gourds Harvest Celebration returns for another year featuring music, storytelling, pumpkin-painting, and “green” fun in the Children’s Garden. In addition to performances by the Richmond Indigenous Gourd Orchestra, kids can choose from more than 500 pumpkins and paint one to take home. There will also be demonstrations in gourd carving, pumpkin carving, vermiculture, blacksmithing and more! The festival is included with a regular garden admission.

October 28

Join the friends and staff of Tuckahoe Plantation for a fun-filled Halloween celebration – and if you dare, take a ghost tour of the famously haunted Tuckahoe Plantation grounds. Built in the 1700s, the house and grounds have long been reported as the sites of spectral apparitions, including a murdered peddler, a “Gray Lady,” and a forlorn young bride who is said to haunt the garden walk, now named the “Ghost Walk” in her honor. If ghostly tales and supernatural stories are not your style, don’t worry. There will be plenty of family-friendly activities including the “headless horseman,” lawn games, a hayride, spider web maze, face painting and much more! This event is limited to 500 guests, so advance tickets are encouraged. Call (804) 774-1614 or email tuckahoeplantationtours@gmail.com with questions.

October 28

Warm up for Halloween with a Halloween 5k and Kids’ One-mile fun run sponsored by the Midlothian Athletic Club! After the race and fun run finish, stick around for a fantastic Halloween Carnival feature fun family activities, vendors, and more. And of course, don’t forget your costumes! Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the races, as well as Best Dressed/Costume. Click here for registration details and packet pick up times.

October 28

Bring the kid out for a safe, fun-filled afternoon of candy, costumes and more as they “trunk or treat” from car-to-car at Hardywood West Creek. In addition to trunk or treating, enjoy family-friendly fall activities and food trucks, as well as the chance to enter a raffle for a number of awesome prizes! Hardywood West Creek will be donating a percentage of beer sales during the event to Greater Richmond SCAN.

October 30

While we know Halloween as a time of costumes and candy, the origins of the holiday are actually rooted in ancient Celtic and Catholic traditions. The Valentine Museum offers a chance to explore how history has evolved from early colonial practices and “play parties” post-American Revolution, to practices of immigrants in the mid-1800s that influenced how Richmonders experience the holiday today. This family-friendly historical walking tour is part of the Valentine’s Richmond History Tours program. Participants should meet at Hanover Avenue and Strawberry Street.

October 31

Come out to the Diamond on Halloween for a spooky good time with Richmond’s favorite hometown team – The Flying Squirrels! Squirrel-O-Ween 2018 promises fun for the whole family with hayrides, trick-or-treating, games, costume contests, and much more! This event is free and open to the community. All ages welcome!

October 31

Spend Halloween in a safe, family friendly environment at Southside Church’s free Trunk-or-Treat event. Events will be held at both their Courthouse and Chester locations. Kids (and parents!) can come out in the favorite costumes for candy, inflatables, food trucks and concessions, games, hay rides, s’mores…and more! And don’t forget your teens! There will be an area with activities for them, too. Admission is free, but you can register here.

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